The Mommies Network

12 Interesting Facts About Promotional Products: TMN Partners #promotions

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 22:47:00 +0000

The Mommies Network is excited to receive a promotional giveaway from Promo-Direct. This company sells promotional products to business's of all types and all sizes.

Promo Direct has been generously participating in philanthropic activities by giving out promotional giveaways. The company believes in the philosophy “A business is never too small to make a difference in the community.

Promo Direct likes to make a difference in our communities, just like we do here at The Mommies Network!

Promotional Products play a vital role in building brand value for businesses. They help customers identify and remember brands for a long time.
Here are 12 interesting facts that will encourage you to use promotional products in your next marketing campaign. These facts are based on studies featuring correspondents.

Check out the blog HERE for more great articles and helpful information by Promo Direct

The Eyes Have It! Days In The Sun's Rays #eyehealth

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:37:00 +0000

Spring and Summer Days in the Sun's Rays: Budding flowers and baseball games are a sight for sore eyes after a long winter - but don't forget to protect your eyes as you enjoy the great outdoors

Don't Be Fooled By Cloudy Days

Even when the sun’s rays are hidden behind the clouds it can still shine through illusive shade

Light eyes have long term risk
- People with light colored eyes are at increased risk for certain eye diseases as their eyes contain less of the protective pigment melanin
Protect yourself from a perennial problem

Pack a hat with at least a 3” brim that can block up to half of all UVB rays from your eyes and eyelids and to protect your eyes and your scalp from the sun
Peak times for direct sunlight are generally 10 am-3 pm, so limit or avoid sun exposure during these hours.

You need more than just sunglasses to protect your eyes this summer, check out this informative Infographic that explains so much more!

Thank you to our friends at Frames Direct and Now Sourcing for this awesome health education.

Please remember to keep those eyes safe and pass this information on to anyone you know that might need it.
Have a safe, happy and fun summer!

Being A New Mom Is Like Moving To A Foreign Country......

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 19 May 2016 11:00:00 +0000

2016 Annual Appeal :The Mommies Network
Our Story:
The Mommies Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for friendship to moms within their local community. Each year, we work to empower moms to build communities within their hometowns, to bring together moms for support and friendship. Thousands of moms have found support and friends through our network over the past eleven years.
New mothers are "born" every day and the services provided by The Mommies Network ensure that each mother has the opportunity to connect and grow as a parent and women, among other women traveling the same road. Our mothers help to shape us and make us into the people we are as adults. Each one of us has a mother who has influenced us. As we become parents ourselves, we become even more aware of the challenges our parents faced and the sacrifices they made for our success.
Mothers today are raising the next generation and facing these same challenges, as well as many new ones! The Mommies Network seeks to provide a safe, secure place for mothers to connect and work together to meet these challenges, support one another and build each other up, helping each mother to reach her own personal goals and aspirations for herself, her family and her community.

Help us to continue to support mothers across the country and ensure that those raising our next generation are valued and supported! Those donating $10 or more will be gifted a copy of Letters to New Moms: An Unusually Honest Look at the First Year. A "friend" for new moms, written by Eden Klinedinst, this fantastic e-book is a must have for any new mom -- yours free with your $10 or more donation, to keep for yourself or give as a great gift for a new mom you love!
Please help by giving back to the network we all love - Click the link below to donate - with your help we can do great things! Thank you!
https://www.crowdrise.com/2016-annual-appeal1/fundraiser/the-mommies-network
The Leadership Team of The Mommies Network

Top 4 Financial Tips for Parents #parenting #financialtips

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 14 May 2016 11:24:00 +0000

Article by Court Creedon

The day-to -day life as a mom and dad can be amazing on a personal level and terrifyingly stressful from a financial standpoint. The demands on your time and money can dramatically change over time, and many parents are ill-equipped to understand and plan for a growing family.
Here are a few important tips to consider to protect your family and to plan for the future.

1. Have the finance talk.
Sit down and iron out what your financial goals are. Do you want to be able to buy a new home in the next few years with your growing family? Are you going to need a new car with your newborn? Do you want to help pay for college in the future? If so, do both parents agree on how much you want to be able to contribute and do you know how and where to save? Do you know when your spouse wants to retire; and what he or she sees that time in life looking like?
Most couples never have these talks, and as a result don’t have a clear picture of where they want to go. Take the time to schedule time on the calendar two or three times each year to review budgets, goals, savings and any changes in your life. Make it a date night, and don’t hesitate to open a bottle of wine and make it fun.

2. Make a budget and track spending.
We tend to avoid the dreaded budget word at all costs, but not knowing how much you are making and spending each month can lead to worry and stress. Most couples know how much they spend on main things like a mortgage, car payment, utilities, cell phone and daycare. Most parents, however, don’t do a good enough job factoring in kids’ events, clothing, travel, medical expenses, random Target trips, dining out and the list of other items that can change each month. As a result, parents rarely have a real picture of how much they are truly spending each month, including unplanned expenses.
Watch what you spend on a daily and weekly basis, and you can begin to determine the hidden costs of parenting that add up quick. For one month, keep a piece of paper with your credit or debit card, and each time you use your card write down the date, amount and category of the expense. This can help you see the added costs of coffee, haircuts, alcohol and clothing, and help you realistically plan your expenses and budget.
Remember that not everything happens every month, but keep in mind the money you spend throughout the year on items, such as gifts for the holidays and birthdays. Divide the total by 12 to get a sense of how much you are spending per month on the expense. Spending $600 over the course of the year on gifts equates to a $50 per month expense if included in your monthly budget.

3. Review your work benefits.
Most people have some benefits through work that provide savings opportunities and insurance. These plans are not meant to be a personalized plan and parents need to understand coverage options to make sure there aren’t any gaps or shortfalls. Does your 1X salary in life insurance cover your spouse and help them cover all of the family expenses on his or her own if you were to pass away? Do you know how much income your long-term disability policy would pay if you became disabled? Is the benefit taxed and what are the definitions that make the policy start to pay out? Could you manage your monthly bills on a decreased income if you are to become disabled? Are there options to use a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account? Take the time to learn about your benefits and determine if there are areas that need to be addressed through personal planning outside of work.

4. Build up a savings cushion.
In life, things happen. From a trip to the emergency room for a child’s broken bone, to a job loss or a less-than-expected bonus, a family emergency or needing a new HVAC, there is always something. Be prepared and protect yourself from needing to use credit cards, or having to take out loans or borrow money. Prepare for unforeseen expenses and work towards building your emergency fund. Calculate your minimum monthly expenses (the items that no matter what, you have to still cover in the event of an emergency) and look to have roughly three to six times your minimum expenses amount in savings. As an example if your typical family expenses are $6,000 this may include dining out, travel, gifts and entertainment. Your minimum expenses may be $4,300 per month, so look to have four times that amount in savings, or $17,200.

Taking the time to talk with your partner about each other’s goals can make sure you are on the same page. With a clear picture of what you have in benefits through work, you can know what potential gaps you have. By reviewing expenses you know how much you truly spend each month and can help build an emergency fund to protect you from the unexpected.

Being informed and educated helps give peace of mind and can alleviate some of the stress that financial planning can bring, leaving more time and energy for keeping up with your little ones.

Court Creeden is the Founder of Parent Financial, a Charlotte-based financial planning firm that provides personalized financial plans for parents to protect their family and plan for their future. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, MSN Money, Dow Jones, and Time for his work with parents.
Court Creeden is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory, and financial planning through MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC (www.sipc.org). 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28210. (704) 557-9600.
CRN201803-200224

Stay tuned for a monthly financial tips and planning here

Harlem Globetrotters Are Bouncing Into Charlotte March 26th -- Ticket Giveaway! #charlotteNC #KrewMobile #globetrotters

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 07:53:00 +0000

Charlotte Area Mommies Network Chapters! Exciting News For You

We've teamed up with our partners at @Krew Mobile to give you and your family the chance to win 4 tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters live in Charlotte on March 26th!

Are you a mom member of CharlotteMommies, CentralPiedmontMommies, LakeNormanMommies, UnionCountyMommies or YorkCountyMommies?? Then you are eligible to enter the giveaway!
Not a member....why not? Go ahead and sign up today! It is free, did you know that? Free...and you get support, community and a network of other moms just like you to chat with 24/7 365 days a year! Plus lots of events like Moms Night out, kids play-dates, Easter Egg hunts, Trunk or Treats....the list goes on and on.......

(Don't worry we will be having other ticket giveaways soon in other MommiesNetwork area chapters)

An additional 4 VIP tickets will be awarded to the chapter with the most entries.

Good luck everyone! http://www.krewmobile.com/tmn

Romance Your Partner This Valentines Day On A Budget #Valentines #budgetfriendly

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 23:22:00 +0000

Valentines Day is coming up very soon and if you are like me you may be worried how you are going to add a little more romance this year and not spend a fortune. There are many little extra's that you can do to make your Valentine feel loved and extra special. It does not have to cost lots of money to add extra spice to your love life.

Leave "I love you messages" all over the house: Either buy a cheap pack of valentines or make your our out of red construction paper. Write love notes and leave them in places that you know he/she will find them all day (or the week before).

Mail a card to them at work or home. Kids love this too, they love getting mail. Handmade cards work just as well as store bought cards, get the kids involved.

Fill their car full of red paper hearts with " I love you" written on them. You can even find silk rose petals at the dollar store. Leave a special treat bag of Valentine candy or coupon on their seat or dashboard.

Draw hearts and leave kisses with red lipstick on the bathroom mirror and rear-view mirror. Put a napkin with your lip prints in their pocket secretly or in their lunchbox.

Create your own Valentines coupons for free massage, free night out, free foot rub, free car wash....etc (you can find many printables online for free, just search. Pinterest has lots of ideas. Here are some spicy coupon book ideas

Give your partner a back rub or foot rub, use some peppermint or lavender essential oils that will calm or rejuvenate them after a long day at work.

Meet for coffee and make it a date at a quiet bookstore just to talk.

Go on a picnic, if you can't get away from home , just wait til all the kids are in bed and have a picnic on the bedroom or living room floor. Light some candles or use some Christmas lights for a romantic effect. Fix a nice plate of cheese, fruit, wine or sparkling cider and enjoy each other.

Make chocolate covered strawberries or your love's favorite desert, have it with a sparkling wine or cider in your best glasses. If you don't have fancy wine glasses, they sell plastic wine or champagne glasses cheaply at any party store.

If you have a fireplace or fire-pit , have a roasted marshmallow/smores night and include the kids. You could even make hot cocoa with whipped topping and red sprinkles.

Celebrate after Valentines Day when everything is half off. Save money for next year by shopping sales the day after any holiday for items you need for the next year. Keep them in a storage box or storage bag labeled so you don't forget.

Visit your local dollar store for cards, candy, mylar balloons, candles, wine glasses and other assorted items to make this Valentines Day budget friendly.

Happy Valentines Week from TMN

Parenting In The Age Of Social Media ... It's Not Easy Street

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:00:00 +0000

The Social Media age is a major part of our life now and our children's lives now, usage increases among younger children every year. What can you do as a parent?

This infographic credit "Teen Safe" shows some great thoughts.

Creating some ground rules from the beginning about how your kids will use social media, how you will monitor their computer and cell phone usage will help you tremendously later on. I like the statement that online lives should never take priority over real lives. Keep that in mind and have family nights often, no phones allowed, even you mom. Remember kids will watch and do just what you do too.

How is your social media and phone use, what example do they have to follow.

Looking for a great family friendly, pre-paid cell phone for your family? Look no more Krew Mobile is looking for parents just like you to participate in their promotional offer right now!

Kids And Social Media, Kids and Social Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 12:30:00 +0000

How socially savvy are your kids? How close do you watch their activity on social media sites? You may think you are a media smart parent, but even the smartest of parents may not know just what those kids are up too.

Long gone are the days that we worried about our kids sneaking out and meeting others down the street in the middle of the night. Today they can be talking to anyone, anywhere in the world, right in their bedroom via their cell phone. With the advancements in technology our smartphones have almost gotten too smart. Webcams, cameras, gps tracking devices and many different apps can tell a child predator exactly where your child is and just how to lure them out and away from the safety of your home.

Case in point 13 year old Nicole Lovell, a middle school student who was killed by 2 college students just recently after being lured by one of them via the social media app named "KiK". Apparently the 13 year old was social media savvy and a victim of bullying, the college student took advantage of that and used it against her for his own selflessness. Such a beautiful young life gone.....

Story here http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/02/us/virginia-tech-students-arrested-girl-killed/

Middle schooler "Nicole Lovell" age 13 stabbed to death

Do you regularly check your children's phones? laptops, tablets etc? why not?

Parental controls can also be a tool to use for parents, many cell phone and internet providers have this. Control when and how your kids are accessing the internet. No cell phones at bedtime, it is proven to affect their sleep.

Educate yourself on all the latest social media sites, apps and language that is used in text messaging. You are the parent, you pay the bills remember that.

Tomorrow we will explore more of those social media and smart phone apps that you might need to know about.....stay tuned

Tired of paying high prices for cell phone service? Need parental controls that you can trust. Need the perfect cell service for your kids? Krew Mobile might just be what you are looking for. We have partnered with Krew to offer our readers and members a special promotional program. Join the Krew Mobile Pilot Program today!! HERE (tell them that I sent you)

Going Bankrupt Paying For Expensive Cell Phones?

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 03:02:00 +0000

Mommies, are you going bankrupt trying to pay for expensive cell phones for your kids? Wouldn't it be great to have a cell phone service that was designed for families -- for real?

The Mommies Network is super - excited to partner with Krew Mobile because we know the same pain of paying those expensive bills every month and raising kids in this social media whirlwind.

One of the challenges that parents face today is raising their kids in a digital world. Statistics show that 53% of children in America get their first mobile device at age 6. While this information may be alarming to some, there are more and more companies devoted to help parents navigate this new landscape. Krew Mobile is a brand new cellular service with a mission to redefine the American family plan and educate kids about responsible cell phone ownership. Imagine a phone with parental controls where you can turn kids’ lines on and off to monitor usage and set healthy limits. While most family plans can cost upwards of $100 a month, Krew Mobile is only $39 a month for one parent and two kids' lines.

Krew Mobile is looking for parents to help them build their wireless service with the Pilot Program. As a test pilot, you’ll have the opportunity to try the service for free and provide feedback on which features you would like to see for your family. The first 1,000 members will receive a free Krew Mobile Starter Kit plus free service for up to two months.

Krew Mobile has generously offered to let our Charlotte-area members join their "Test Krew" to test their new mobile service designed especially for families. Get free cell service and a start-up kit for two months for testing out their service and providing feedback to help them create a better experience for families.

ONLY the first 1,000 CharlotteMommies.com , UnionCountyMommies.com ,LakeNormanMommies.com , YorkCountyMommies.com , and CentralPiedmontMommies.com members are eligible for this great benefit!
So log in and check out your chapter website for more information on how to get in on this great offer!

Visit www.krewmobile.com to learn more about Krew Mobile and to sign up for the Pilot Program.
Get social with Krew on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, they would love to hear from you!

Super Supper: Chili and Corn Bread To Warm Your Game Day

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 12:03:00 +0000

Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for your Super Bowl parties or tail gating anytime.
Prepare in your slow cooker so you have time to get other things done. Use a crock pot liner to make clean up a breeze.
This recipe serves 4.

INGREDIENTS (you can double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd)

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cans (15 oz.) red kidney beans, undrained
2 packages (1.25 oz.) chili seasoning mix
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles

Cheese and sour cream + toppings of your choice

DIRECTIONS
Step 1:OPEN Reynolds™ Slow Cooker Liner and place it inside a 5- to 6 1/2 -quart slow cooker bowl. Fit liner snugly against the bottom and sides of bowl; pull top of liner over rim of bowl.

Step 2:BROWN ground beef, bell pepper and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink. Drain well.

Step 3:PLACE beef mixture into slow cooker liner. Combine remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour over beef mixture; gently stir with wooden or plastic spoon to combine. Place lid on slow cooker

Step 4:COOK on LOW for 6 to 7 hours OR on HIGH for 3 to 3 1/2 hours until heated through.

Step 5:CAREFULLY remove lid to allow steam to escape. Serve food directly from slow cooker liner. Do not lift or transport liner with food inside. Cool slow cooker completely; remove liner and toss.

Chili recipe credit HERE

Now you need some cornbread to go with that yummy chili:

I like to make mine in my cast iron skillet and use real butter, sometimes adding sugar to the mix to make the cornbread sweeter, since my family likes it like that.

Pioneer Woman Cornbread
from The Pioneer Woman
(Printable Recipe)

6 Tbsp shortening
1 cup yellow corn meal
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Heat shortening in an iron skillet, muffin pan, or other baking pan. Combine corn meal, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and egg. Add baking powder and baking soda. Stir. Add melted shortening, stirring constantly. Pour into hot pan, smoothing surface with spatula.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Enjoy your Super Bowl Supper

Winter Driving Safety Tips: Driving In The Snow & A Survival Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 23 Jan 2016 12:00:00 +0000

Winter Driving Safety Tips

3 Key Tips:

Stay Alert
Slow Down
Stay In Control

Driving in the snow

If you find yourself driving in the snow, stay alert, slow down and stay in control. These are the three key elements to safe driving in the snow.

Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow:

If you think you may be heading into snow or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing available for when you exit the vehicle.
Always clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you will have appropriate visibility.
Make sure there is sufficient windshield washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for freezing temperatures.
It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.
Know the proper handling procedures for a skidding vehicle.
Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.
Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact locations while driving.
Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can lead to dangerous loss of body heat.

Winter Driving Survival Kit

It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for your winter driving survival kit:

Ice scraper/snowbrush
Shovel
Sand or other type of traction aid
Tow rope or chain
Booster cables
Road flares or warning lights
Gas line antifreeze
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Small tool kit
Extra clothing and foot wear
Non-perishable energy foods, like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and bottled water
Candles and a small tin can to hold the candle
Water proof matches

Winter driving can be safe with planning and extra caution.

Resource: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/winter/winter2.html

Infographic credit: Ford Motor company

Please be safe, take your time and arrive alive.

Have a Happy New Year Without the Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 12:00:00 +0000

This post is from a few years ago, but still rings true today.....

Well it is that time again…have you made your New Year’s Resolution? I say, let’s just abandon that tradition all together and be more practical about our goals! My New Year’s Resolutions have been broken so many times that I find I am no longer bothered when I lose my way before February! This year, banish that idea of setting a goal to accomplish sometime over the next 365 days. Usually our goals are too big or too vague and a whole year is much too long for us to stay focused (especially since we have this little distraction called children). This year, let’s meet our goals all year long. 

My resolution has always been to lose weight, get fit, be smaller (does this sound familiar to anyone else?). Since I spent all of last year gaining weight (I was pregnant) and most of this year giving all of my attention to my daughter…I still need that resolution. Earlier this year I decided that I could not wait for New Year’s Day to for a resolution to lose weight, get fit, be smaller, be healthier! I had to be proactive! As a nutritionist and a fitness instructor, who would have thought that I would need to find ways to motivate myself to become healthier? 

Here is another revelation that I had…children are not automatically conducive to a healthy lifestyle for moms. I ate whatever I could grab with one hand or quickly while she napped, and I did not exercise because I was so wrapped up in her schedule that I gave up having one at all! I am with moms everyday and I know that I am not the only one who forgot about myself and focused solely on my baby. So for both of us, these are the keys we have all heard before but rarely been able to implement into our lives for meeting our goals to lose weight, get fit, and be healthy! 

Here is the first one…BEGIN! Don’t wait for some perfect time when you are not busy, don’t have a party to go to, the baby is not fussy, and the planets are aligned. Can you think of a time when you were lounging without a “to do” list, had no one around you tempting you with unhealthy foods, and the baby was in a perfect mood or better yet napping? I didn’t think so. That time will never come. Make a plan to get over the obstacle of the moment and those yet to come. Whatever you do, just begin working toward your goal. 

Here is the second one…INCORPORATE exercise and eating healthy into your daily life and needs. Some obvious ways to add exercise to your daily life are to park further away at the store, take the stairs, do squats during Oprah’s commercial breaks, do calf raises while waiting in line. Find ways to incorporate your little one into your goals. Children need to eat healthy, so eat healthy together (baby eats carrots, mom eats carrots). You should also try to eat with your little ones, not only are you teaching them by example but you are also eating more frequently which is good for your metabolism! Try to meet your “mom needs” with exercise and eating well. If you need a Mom’s Night Out or to reconnect with your girl friends, sign up for a tennis lesson together or just meet to take a walk on a regular schedule. If you need to be with other moms to share your victories and challenges, join a mom’s group that exercises together before they go out for coffee or encourage your current group to add a date that includes exercise. Be creative and work a little exercise into your day in a way that you enjoy or don’t notice! 

Here is the third one…set a REASONABLE and MEASURABLE GOAL! If you want to lose 30 pounds set a goal to lose 5 by the end of January. That is a little over one pound a week which is reasonable and measurable, and you are not setting yourself up for disappointment by having a goal that is too hard to attain. If running a 5K (3.1 miles) is your goal, then set a goal to walk that far at least once a week and create a plan to gradually increase your running on the other 2-3 days a week. Don’t be vague about what you want or when you want to attain it. Make the goal measurable, break it into a small piece, and set a deadline. 

Here is the last one…FORGIVE yourself when you stray from your plan. If you go out to eat and abandon your vow to not eat fried foods, forgive yourself and get back to your plan by the next meal. Don’t figure the whole day, weekend, or week is ruined and go on a bad food eating binge. If you bail on your exercise all week because you are busy, jump right back in first chance you get. Don’t feel like you have to exercise three extra times this week because you did not exercise last week. Getting back to your regular schedule is the best way to recover without overdoing it. 

I know that these keys to success are basic, and I bet that you all have read these tips before in a magazine. We all possess the keys and knowledge to be healthier moms. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in our children, our husband, our house, our job that we forget about OURSELVES! When we decide to focus on improving ourselves (usually January 1st) it seems like we have to catch up for a whole year. Not this year. This year, I am going to improve myself all year with little goals that I can reach by incorporating them into my life. Hopefully, instead of beating myself up in December of 2005 for not keeping my New Years Resolutions, I will be toasting myself for all of my accomplishments! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year! 

OPI: CharlotteMommies Subject: Have a Happy New Year Without the Resolutions 

New Years Resolutions: 52 Weeks of Organizing

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Overwhelmed by your household clutter?
How about taking a week at a time, doing a task each week for 52 weeks of the year.
You can take this list and tailor it to your household as needed. Just plan to complete your tasks the week you list them.
Several different bloggers have lists like these on Pinterest, but I found mine here at Cupcakes, Kisses N Crumbs blog

If you will try organizing your household with me, I will promise to organize mine. Let's see how much we get done this year. 2016 is going to be an awesome new year!

A Different Kind of Holiday Giving #volunteer #holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 13:00:00 +0000

A Different Kind of Holiday Giving

About 63.8 million people did volunteer work at some point last year. Were you one of them? Volunteering your time and talent has never been easier with advanced technologies and flexible volunteer schedules. Recent studies also indicate that children and families who volunteer together have better relationships, succeed in school, are healthier, deal better with difficult situations and build positive self esteems.

How Children Can Make a Difference: One year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, 13-year-old Mischa Zimmerman established a nonprofit organization, Kids Helping Kids, to provide support to children affected by a catastrophic illness or injury. Today this group provides gifts to children in hospitals, raises money to build wheel chair ramps and participates in hospital visits and events.

When eleven-year-old Jon Wagner-Holtz’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer he couldn’t find a support group for kids with sick parents so he started his own – Kids Connected. The organization now has programs across the U.S., a 24-hour hotline, an e-mail newsletter, monthly meetings and summer camps for kids.

After reading an article about a police dog that had been shot on the job, eleven-year-old Stacey Hillman started Pennies to Protect Police Dogs. Over the past two years they have raised over $100,000 and outfitted over 158 K-9 dogs with bulletproof vests.

Despite their hardships these kids reached out to help others through volunteering - all at an early age. Numerous studies indicate that children who volunteer are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote and be philanthropic. By volunteering just one hour a week kids are 50% less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or engage in destructive behavior. (Search Institute)

Finding the Time to Volunteer: One of the most common reasons for not volunteering is a lack of time. I recently came across a book of poetry that was given to me by an elderly couple that I volunteered my time with years ago. Looking back I don’t know where I found the time with a full-time job and graduate work. But I am grateful I did because of the things I learned from them. That couple has since passed away but the book of Emerson’s poetry and my memories are still with me.

If you can find a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you – your time will be well spent and rewarding. To quote Emerson - “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”

To make the best use of your time with volunteering start by asking yourself - What issues matter to you most? Do you have special skills or talents to pass along? Are their areas you’d like to learn more about? Do you want to volunteer with an on-going project or something short term? Is the location right for you? And most importantly what you’re your reasons for volunteering?

The Mommies Network is looking for volunteers just like you! Do you have a talent or special skill set that you would like to share with our network of moms? We are ringing in the holidays and the New Year looking for more volunteers on the local chapter level and the national network level. More information can be found Here

Article modified from an original blog post credit - CharlotteMommies.com

OPI: CharlotteMommies Subject: A Different Kind of Holiday Giving

Today Is Giving Tuesday: How Will You Give? #GivingTuesday #nonprofits

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 08:05:00 +0000

The Mommies Network is a 501c(3) organization dedicated to providing support and encouragement to moms in their local community.

Connections. They're important to everyone. No one wants to travel the road alone and in our internet age, we're given thousands of different ways to connect with others, all across the world, every single day.

But what is missing? Are these internet connections as beneficial to us as real, in-person connections can be?

At The Mommies Network, we think that you need both! Its great to have online connections -- to be able to get advice or support 24 hours a day.

But nothing beats a real-life hug when you're feeling down or are dealing with a crisis. Real friends, the ones who can stand in front of you, give you a hug, help you when you're sick, meet you at the coffee shop for a talk -- these friends can get you through anything!

At The Mommies Network, we've been connecting moms together for over 10 years. Thousands and thousands of moms and their children have benefited from our chapters. Each year, we see new friendships born and moms being strengthened and supported by their chapter network.

This year, on Giving Tuesday, we ask that you give back to the network that has made a real difference in your life. Look around you -- how did you build your circle of friends? Did your TMN chapter help you to become connected and find true friends who support you and care for you, through thick and thin?

For just a small investment, you can ensure that new moms continue to have the benefits of The Mommies Network in their community. Your donations help us to keep our network running, provide new programs for our moms and open new chapters so that new moms have the same chance for support that you have had!

Please support The Mommies Network this year and help other moms have the benefits of local friendship and support that you have had -- donate today and help us keep The Mommies Network strong for years to come!

If you would like to help with a donation of less than $10, please visit our website to make a donation directly!

Thank you in advance for your kindness #givingTuesday 2015

The leadership team of The Mommies Network~~

A Global Celebration #GivingTuesday #TheMommiesNetwork

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

This year, on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, The Mommies Network is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving.

Last year, more than 30,000 organizations in 68 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get out the give this December 1.

Some ideas include:

1. Get your workplace and local government officials, nonprofits, and small businesses involved in #GivingTuesday. Encourage them to officially sign up as partners on the website (www.givingtuesday.org) and to organize a campaign that promotes a cause or charity that is meaningful to them.

2. Help spread the word about #GivingTuesday. Join the email list by visiting www.givingtuesday.org/join to receive updates, event invitations, and the latest graphics and tools to share on your social channels.

3. Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to talk about charity and the causes and organizations you support.

4. Localize #GivingTuesday for your town, city, or state. Many organizations have come together to build local #GivingTuesday campaigns in their neighborhoods. Reach out to other organizations to see how together, you can have a greater impact this December 1.

There are many ways to get involved in #GivingTuesday. We encourage you to join the movement and visit

www.givingtuesday.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

We here at The Mommies Network would love for you to join us in making a difference in the lives of mothers across the US.

Volunteer your time (#giveback) - info Here
We have many open volunteer positions that might just be the perfect fit.
Join one of our local chapters or our National chapter
Giving by a donation - your donations make a difference and are vital to keep our nonprofit organization running. Consider making a donation today, your donations are tax-deductible.

For more information about our organization visit our new website Here , or email us at info@themommiesnetwork.org

Thanks,

The Mommies Network

Givingstream Blanket Drive #GiveLove #Gifts #Blanketsforhomeless

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:55:00 +0000

The Mommies Network is proud to bring you the following information about our friends at Givingstream, they are doing some awesomeness!!

Givingstream, a new socially responsible company, is orchestrating a
buy one give one blanket drive to provide every homeless person in Charlotte some warmth this winter.
The buy one give one model is a sales approach that allows customers to buy a product, like blankets or shoes, while donating another blanket or pair of shoes to someone in need.
According to the UNC Population Center there are around 2000 homeless individuals in Charlotte on any given night. With the cold weather approaching and the night time temperature dropping, something as simple as a fleece blanket can make a big difference.

“This past summer, we were doing a generosity event at a laundromat offering to pay for people's laundry," Co- Founder Hunter Rogers said in an explanation of where inspiration for this campaign stemmed from. "One man we approached said that we couldn't help him with his laundry because the only clothes he had, were the ones he was wearing. The first thing I thought was what does he do during the winter?”

Givingstream will be working with a number of the Charlotte based homeless shelters including Charlotte Rescue Mission and Urban Ministry Center to gift our neighbors in need with their own personal blanket.

“Traditionally, funds for causes are raised by big donors going to big fundraisers and give big checks," Co-Founder Genia Rogers said. "We love that, but there are so many kind hearted people out there that cannot go to a $1,000 a plate fundraiser. However they CAN buy jewelry, home goods, or clothes. In doing so, they are making a difference in someone's life. We believe that making someone's day has the potential to change their world.”

Givingstream is aiming to have all the blankets by early December so that they can
distribute them by Christmas.

Below are just a few examples of the beautiful blankets offered by Givingstream in many different colors and price ranges, all and buy one and give one to a homeless shelter! Order yours today and give back!

About Givingstream

Givingstream was launched in late 2014 to bring together everyday products that give back.
Every product sold on Givingstream has some sort of “do good” element to it. Some of the companies donate a large percentage of their profits to charity, others employ people coming out of extreme poverty or homelessness, and a few use a buy one give one model. The founders, mother and son duo, Genia and Hunter Rogers wanted to create a place where people could inject simple generosity into their everyday lives.

How to Participate

The opportunity is simple. Head over to Givingstream’s website(givingstream.com) and browse through the wide range of gorgeous blankets from fleece to Alpaca wool.You will receive yours in the mail and another will be sent from us directly to the homeless shelter.

Givingsteam will keep you updated with how many blankets have been given away via Social Media.

Together we can buy and do good!
You can also help by joining us for Trunk Shows, learn how to participate in your own trunk show, or join us for a local one like the one below on November 21st.

Winners! #BabyMantraLove Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 21:34:00 +0000

We love giving away cool stuff! Especially when the products are so super good for your family( and mom too)!

We have 2 winners! India Chellice Clay and Miranda Leigh Callahan, you both have won an awesome gift pack of full size products from Baby Mantra-

please email me with your email and address ~ so we can get your products on the way to you. leslie.block@themommiesnetwork.org

#babymantralove

~Leslie~

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®: THE SURVIVOR TOUR® Ticket Giveaway! #giveaway #freetickets

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:00:00 +0000

We are giving away 4 free Tickets! Enter now! (free tickets are for the October 1st showing at 7:30 pm)

Entry -Form

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®: THE SURVIVOR TOUR®

COMES TO CHARLOTTE, N.C. TO BENEFIT SUSAN G. KOMEN®

Four performances October 1-3

at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square

Powerful partnership on a mission to change lives.

Tickets on sale now!

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – GFour Productions, winner of 54 Drama Desk Awards and 44 Tony Awards, has proudly joined forces with Susan G. Komen® to launch Menopause The Musical®: The Survivor Tour® benefiting Susan G. Komen® in 2015. With a cast of breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, Menopause The Musical and Komen partner to offer inspiration, sisterhood and hope. The Survivor Tour® comes to the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., in Charlotte, N.C., for four performances October 1-3, 2015. Tickets are on sale now and available at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Box Office, carolinatix.org, or by calling 704-372-1000. The production will donate no less than $2 per ticket sold to Susan G. Komen® to further its mission to save lives and end breast cancer. Greater discounts for groups of 10+ by calling 704-348-5752.

The Survivor Tour® is proud to fundraise for Komen, which since 1982 has invested more than $2.6 billion in research, screening, treatment, education and support programs for people affected by breast cancer.
“Menopause The Musical has lifted the spirits of more than 11 million people worldwide, and we are thrilled to be part of this extraordinary mission with GFour and a cast that represents the more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.,” said Komen President and CEO Judy Salerno, M.D., M.S. “Their support makes a difference in the lives of women and men, and helps us move closer to our vision of a world without breast cancer.”
Performance schedule at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center McGlohon Theater:

Menopause The Musical is set in a department store where four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! Singing along to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, the cast forms a sisterhood with the entire audience. Whether naturally occurring or thrust into as a result of cancer treatment, Menopause The Musical helps women embrace and celebrate that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.”
“GFour Productions is happy to partner with Susan G. Komen® to raise important awareness, while proving that laughter truly is the best medicine,” said producer Kathi Glist.
For more than a decade, Menopause The Musical has worked to inspire and support women dealing with life after “The Change.” “Menopause has always been a cause-based show,” said Menopause The Musical Director Seth Greenleaf. “The cause was helping women see that what they are experiencing is perfectly normal, and that they are not alone. The Susan G. Komen partnership increases the importance of our purpose because now we’re not just talking about life affirming, but life saving. We’re deeply proud to be a part of this effort.”

Menopause The Musical is recognized as the longest-running scripted musical production in Las Vegas and continues to entertain nightly at Harrah’s. The hilarious musical has entertained audiences across the globe in more than 450 U.S. cities, nearly 300 international cities, and a total of 15 countries. For more information, visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.com.

Make sure to enter your name and email so we can contact you if you win! Good luck!

Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives #worldsuicidepreventionday

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:27:00 +0000

According to the recently released World Health Organization (WHO) report:Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative, over 800,000 people die by suicide across the world each year. The report notes that this estimate is conservative, with the real figure likely to be higher because of the stigma associated with suicide, lack of reliable death recording procedures, and religious or legal sanctions against suicide in some countries.

We may not be able to pinpoint the exact figure, but we do know that each individual suicide is a tragic loss of life. It is hard to imagine the extreme psychological pain that leads someone to decide that suicide is the only course of action. Reaching out to someone who is struggling can make a difference.

‘Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives’ is the theme of the 2015 World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention(IASP) and the WHO, a co-sponsor of meetings and events related to WSPD 2015.. Since 2003, WSPD has taken place on 10th September each year. It serves as a call to action to individuals and organizations to prevent suicide. This year, the theme encourages us all to consider the role that offering support may play in combating suicide.

The act of showing care and concern to someone who may be vulnerable to suicide can be a game-changer. Asking them whether they are OK, listening to what they have to say in a non-judgmental way, and letting them know you care, can all have a significant impact. Isolation increases the risk of suicide, and, conversely, having strong social connections is protective against it, so being there for someone who has become disconnected can be life-saving.

Reaching out to those who have been bereaved by suicide

Suicide is devastating for families, friends and community members who are left behind. They may experience a whole range of emotions, including grief, anger, guilt, disbelief and self-blame.They may not feel that they can share these overwhelming feelings with anyone else. Therefore, reaching out to those who have lost someone to suicide is very important.

As a result of the stigma surrounding suicide, those who are bereaved by suicide are often perceived differently from those who lose a family member through another cause of death. People who are bereaved may find that they are avoided by people who don’t know how to broach the subject or offer their condolences. Or they may just feel that others do not understand the intensity of their emotional response to the death of their loved one.

Once again, a pro-active approach and offering a sympathetic, non-judgmental ear can make all the difference. Giving someone who has been bereaved by suicide the opportunity to talk about their loss, in their own time, on their own terms, can be a precious gift. Allowing them to express their full range of feelings can be cathartic, and can help them to take the first small step in moving through their grief. Starting the conversation may be difficult, but it will almost certainly be appreciated.

Reaching out to put people in touch with relevant services

Although the support of friends and relatives is crucial for people who may be at risk of suicide and for people who have lost someone to suicide, it is not always enough. Often more formal help is also needed. Such help can take many forms, and is likely to vary from country to country. In high-income countries, it may include specialist mental health services and primary care providers, both of which offer clinical care. It may also include a range of community organisations which provide non-clinical support, as well as support groups and self-help groups. In low- and middle-income countries, the more clinically-focused services are less readily available, and there is a heavier reliance on community organizations. Part of reaching out to vulnerable individuals can involve helping to link them to relevant services.

Reaching out to the suicide prevention community

There is strength in numbers. Around the globe, many individuals and organizations are involved in efforts to prevent suicide. We can learn from each other, and strengthen the evidence base for effective interventions. Reaching out to those who are travelling the same road increases the likelihood that our collective efforts to reduce the numbers of people who die by suicide, and the numbers of people for whom these deaths have shattering effects, will be successful.

Reaching out on World Suicide Prevention Day

On September 10th, join with others around the world who are working towards the common goal of preventing suicide. Check in on someone you may be concerned about, listen to what they say, how they say it and show them kindness and support. Investigate ways of linking in with others who are trying to prevent suicide in your community, your country, or internationally. Show your support by organizing or taking part in a WSPD activity in your area and/or join in with IASP’s Cycle Around the Globe.

Please, reach out and save lives.

Credit: IASP- World Suicide Prevention https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

Light a Candle Near a Window at 8pm on September 10th

Be a Light to someone today, a smile or just simply asking "Are U OK? can get a conversation going and save a life!

Baby Mantra Love Giveaway #babymantralove #giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 10:17:00 +0000

Entry -Form

Many moms (like myself) are very concerned about using earth-friendly, natural and organic products in our homes....especially on our bodies. We are always looking for kid and baby friendly products that do not add to the toxic load of our family. I want to know what is in our personal care and skin care products, I want them to be gentle enough for our entire family, and I want them to be all-natural, not full of chemicals. How about you?
Baby Mantra products are just that, all natural,dye free, allergy tested, gluten free and cruelty free.

I received several of these wonderful products to try myself and I have to say they all smell delicately wonderful, not to overwhelming. The 3 in 1 bubble bath is also a shampoo and body wash, lots of bubbles that rinsed out of my daughter's hair easily. The detangling conditioner made it so easy to comb out messy hair and left hair soft and nice smelling. I love the calming lotion and the calming massage oil, so silky smooth, I used these on myself for a nice post bubble bath treat. Moms like a little pampering too you know.

The ingredients list include natural things like:

Lavender
Grapeseed
Sunflower Oil
Avocado
Shea Butter
Apricot
Coconut
Aloe Vera
Mango Butter
Jojoba
Wheat Germ
Cocoa Butter

We want to share the goodness of Baby Mantra with you, one lucky reader will win a wonderful set of 6 full sized Baby Mantra products, similar to those shown below.

Giveaway Products- Full sizes of these:
1. 3-in-1 Bubble Bath, Shampoo & Wash
2. Calming Lotion
3. Newborn Shampoo & Wash
4. Diaper Rash Ointment
5. Calming Massage Oil
6. Detangling Conditioner

Giveaway closes September 30th at 11pm EST and winner will be posted via blog post and on our Facebook page. Enter today! I think your family will really enjoy these products.

Want a coupon for Baby Mantra products? Coupon available HERE

Baby Mantra’s earth-friendly range of extremely gentle personal care products for children (newborn to 8 years old) are made with all-natural skincare ingredients. Baby Mantra products have been certified by the Natural Products Association (NPA), are gluten-free, allergy-tested and cruelty-free.

You can find Baby Mantra products across the country at stores like Albertsons, Jewel Osco, Walgreens, Duane Reade and Meijer. We recommend using the store locator on the company's website to find a store nearest you. In addition, Baby Mantra can be found online on websites such as Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Drugstore.com, Walgreens.com and Diapers.com.

Be sure to follow and like Baby Mantra on Facebook for coupons and other offers.

I received this product for the purpose of this review, however, I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. These are my own opinions and they have not been influenced in any way by Baby Mantra.

Savoring August as a Family

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:01:00 +0000

Savoring August as a Family

By: Jamie Perillo, LPC
I was recently asked to make a list of ways to help kids with back to school anxiety, which I will share with you – but not today. If you live in the Northeast kids begin to head back to school beginning of September or the end of August. You and your kids can think about this in two ways: we only have a month until school starts or we still have a month left. Which one feels better? I prefer the latter.

Today kids are busier than ever, which means so are you. Between over scheduled activities and schools’ increasing demands, I am seeing more anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed –out kids in my psychotherapy office. So, today, instead of writing about how to make the transition back to school easier I am writing about embracing the end of summer.

Summer is the season of Abundance – a time to enjoy the warm weather and all of Mother Nature’s goodies. Grab your flip flops and picnic baskets and head to the beach basking in the sun, jumping in the waves, resting in the arms of a summer’s breeze. Frolic with your kids through the freshly cut grass, play ball, jump in the pool, peruse the local farmer’s markets and make a meal together with Summer’s bounty. Rest under a tree, bare feet grazing through the grass and reading your favorite book. This is summer in all of its glory - a time to exhale, unwind, and recharge. You deserve it and so do your children.

I am not telling you to procrastinate the inevitable; I am asking you to enjoy the present. If your kids are excited to get their lunchboxes and backpacks - do it, but then put them away. Return to summer. This August I invite you to practice being in the moment – you and your family will feel relaxed and happier.

6 Ideas to Help you Savor Summer:

1. On index cards make a list of reasonable activities you and your family would like to do. Have each person place the cards in order beginning with their favorite activities. As a family decide which activities you would like to do throughout the month. Remember, this isn’t a plan to “go, go, go,” - make sure to leave time for lazy summer days because some of the best memories occur during unplanned time.

2. Practice presence. Inhale. Notice the scents of freshly growing flowers, barbeque, newly cut grass, and salty ocean air. Exhale. Feel your feet on the grass or sand.

3. Express gratitude. What you are thankful for grows.

4. Take it slow. Schedule lazy days. Unscheduled down time allows for kids to use their creativity and imaginations.

5. Parent from your CORE. Take a moment to imagine what August would ideally but realistically look like for you and your family. How does that feel? Can you make a few small changes to get closer to that image?

6. Enjoy! Embrace your inner child with your family.

Thank you to guest blogger Jamie Perillo LLC, child and family therapist, for this helpful article!

Lactation Cookies To Boost Your Milk Supply #breastfeedingmonth

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 12:00:00 +0000

Pumpkin Spice Lactation Cookies

Author: Emily

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Serves: 2½ dozen

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 3 Tbsp. brewer’s yeast
• 2 Tbsp. flax meal
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree

Directions

) Preheat your oven to 350°.
) Mix the dry in ingredients in a bowl.
) Combine the butter, egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree in a separate bowl.
) Slowly mix the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients.
) Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a cookie sheet. Leave about 1 ½ to 2 inches between each scoop.
) Bake for 15 minutes. Baking times may vary.
) Remove from the oven and allow to cool

These look so good, warm from the oven with a big ol glass of milk......mmmmm!!

Credit to this awesome blogger Here

Breastfeeding Support : Tips From A Lactation Consultant

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 21:57:00 +0000

In celebration of National Breastfeeding Month we want to share this awesome article to all our breastfeeding moms out there, we salute you!

Author: Wendy Wisner (IBCLC)

1. We've all had days when we wanted to give up.

2. There are breastfeeding helpers out there who won't judge you. Keep looking till you find one who makes you feel safe and supported.

3. Breastfeeding isn't all or nothing.

4. Breastfeeding looks different for each mom and baby.

5. It's normal for newborns to never want to be put down. Ever. And it's normal for them to nurse all the time, sometimes more than once an hour. Really.

6. Almost all moms will make enough milk if they nurse often enough, but for a small number of moms, this isn't the case. Low milk supply is a real thing, and if you have it, you deserve good, kind, thoughtful help.

7, Tongue tie really can impact breastfeeding. Tongues that are tied down can't milk the breast properly (leading to low weight gain) and can cause a lot of pain.

8. Tongue tie isn't always the problem, or isn't always the only problem. Breastfeeding difficulties are usually multi-faceted, which is why all moms deserve the skilled help of a good IBCLC.

9. I wish all good lactation consultants were covered under insurance. But we are not there yet. Please spend the money to get good help. Most lactation consultants don't cost more than a good stroller or a baby swing. Most lactation consultants will spend two or more hours with you and provide follow-up.

10. Most breastfeeding problems can be solved by going back to basics. If your nipples hurt, you probably just need to change position, shape and hold your breasts, or unlatch and start again. If you aren't making enough milk, you probably just need to nurse more frequently. Start with the basics before assuming anything more complicated is going on. Trust biology, your body, and your baby.

11. Lactation cookies and herbs can really help, but they are only helpful if combined with other treatments for remedying supply issues.

12. Breastfeeding isn't meant to be done alone. Find your tribe. Go to a breastfeeding support meeting. Find moms online who have babies your age. It can make a huge difference. The Mommies Network chapters all have breastfeeding support forum groups find one here www.themommiesnetwork.org

13. Some babies sleep long stretches and fall asleep easily. Some do not. It (usually) has nothing to do with how you are feeding your baby. It's usually just genetics and temperament.

14. There is no magic age when babies should stop nursing in the middle of the night. Some babies need the nutrition well past the first few months, and many like the nighttime connection for years.

15. You should breastfeed for as long or as short as you want. It is entirely up to you (and your baby).

16. It is NEVER anyone's place to judge a mom who chooses not to breastfeed. There are so many reasons why a mother might make this choice, and none reflects poorly on her mothering or her level of care for her child.

17. How much you pump doesn't always reflect how much milk your baby takes at your breast. Most babies take more than the pump extracts; some take less.

18. Working and pumping mothers deserve all the respect and love in the world.

19. Exclusive pumping moms do, too.

20. Babies who never latch are rare, but this does happen, and it is one of the hardest things I have witnessed as a breastfeeding helper. These moms deserve the right to mourn the loss of at-breastfeeding, but they need to know this doesn't make them any less a breastfeeding mom.

21. All mothers have a right to feel whatever they feel about how breastfeeding went for them. All feelings are normal. All feelings are real.

22. Whether or not you breastfed or were breastfed matters in many ways, and in many ways it doesn't matter at all.

23. Breastfeeding, above all, is love. It's one of many ways to exchange love with your baby, your toddler, or your child.

24. Children need to grow up seeing breastfeeding. It makes breastfeeding normal. It teaches them breastfeeding positioning, behavior and more. This is one of the key ways we can increase the breastfeeding rates in our country.

25. Breastfeeding is normal. Breastfeeding is intense. Breastfeeding is simple. Breastfeeding is beautiful.

credit to Huffington Post for the article
Wendy Wisner is a mom, writer, and lactation consultant (IBCLC). This post first appeared on her website in honor of World Breastfeeding Week. Follow Wendy on Facebook and Twitter.

The Minimalist Guide To Decorating A Kids Room #decor #kids

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 13:00:00 +0000

~The Minimalist Guide to Decorating a Kid's Room~

By Jane Blanchard

A minimalist approach to designing a child’s room can yield many benefits. A number of design suggestions for kids’ rooms seem cluttered and noisy, and they often impose a high level of maintenance upon a family. Cluttered spaces have even proven to increase stress levels for children and adults. With a few targeted and minimalistic design choices, you can make a child’s room both fun and functional.

Open Space

Via Modernize.com

Children like to play, and the reality of childhood is that they’re going to spend more days playing indoors than they’d prefer. One way to make life a little easier for kids is to create an open space within a room, allowing them to use their imaginations rather than dealing with a lot of furniture and items. This carries with it the added benefit of making it easier for a child to clean a room, and parents can readily tell whether the job has been done right.

Containers

Via Modernize.com

A child’s life includes owning a lot of prized possessions, and all of those toys, stuffed animals and collectibles need to be contained. By installing a few containers in each bedroom, parents can teach children the value of maintaining an orderly personal space. When they want to need where something special is, they’ll be able to locate it quickly because they’ll know exactly where it belongs. An added bonus is that dressers can double as both sources of visual interest and storage.

Focus on Colors

Via Modernize.com

Children often enjoy personalizing their own spaces, and they’ll take that effort as far as their parents might permit and then a little further. If a child is old enough to understand the basic process of designing a space, that’s a good time to help them starting discussing how to personalize a room. The focus of this effort should be on color choices, rather than radical designs. A minimalist approach can allow parents to create a space that they and their children can live with for years to come.

Area Rugs

Via Modernize.com

A child’s room can be a maintenance nightmare, but one way to attack the problem is to install areas rugs. They can be removed and cleaned, and parents can place a different rug in the room in the meantime. When the inevitable messes of childhood happen, a cheaper area rug can be thrown out.

For more design ideas, head to Modernize.com.

Do you have great ideas or photos of your own kids room redo's, we would love to hear about them, even feature your photo's, email blogs@themommiesnetwork.org.